The Need for Housing

The need for safe and affordable housing is very evident, not only in Minnesota as a whole, but in St. Louis County as well. Housing is considered affordable if it consumes 30% or less of a household’s gross income. Generally when households spend more than 30% of their income to meet housing costs, they do not have enough income to meet other basic needs or weather financial setbacks.

According to a study done by the Minnesota Housing Partnership and Out of Reach, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two–bedroom apartment in Minnesota is $755 (for 2016). A minimum wage earner must work 79 hours per week, 52 weeks a year in order to afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment.**

Minnesota Housing Partnership reported in their 2017 County Housing Profile that there are 21,930 St. Louis County families are cost burdered.

· 80% of families who rent in St. Louis County with incomes of $20,000 or less are paying more than 30% of their income to meet their housing needs.

· 62% of renting families who rent in St. Louis County with incomes of $20,000 to $34,999 are paying more than 30% of their income to meet their housing need.

The report also stated that the supply of places to rent is limited and often in poor condition. There are now 37 rental units affordable and available for every 100 extremely low-income renters in St. Louis County. The county ranks 71 out of the state’s 87 counties for the most units affordable and available to this income group.”

Habitat for Humanity seeks to serve families who otherwise would not be able to own their own home, that fall within 30% to 50% of the area’s median family income and have a minimum income of about $20,000.

North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity is one part of a great network of non-profit and government organizations that continues to work on the need for affordable housing. By partnering with you, we are making a difference in many people’s lives and getting closer to a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

What It's All About

In July 2015, Melissa Wallace and family closed on their new home in Mt. Iron. Melissa spoke at her home dedication and this is truly "what it's all about!"

2017 Habitat on the Hill

Homes for All - Where You Live Impacts Everything

On Tuesday, April 18th, Executive Director Nathan Thompson, NSLCHFH board members Scott Dane and Carolyn Dinneen and NSLCHFH homeowner Phyllis Rayton spent a day in St. Paul sharing the Iron Range's need for affordable housing and the impact your affiliate is making on the communities and families we serve. As part of Homes For All, NSLCHFH requested $130 million in investments for safe, stable, and affordable housing across the state:

-Invest $100 million in bonds for housing to build and preserve housing throughout Minnesota.

-Include an additional $30 million in the state budget for programs that help prevent homelessness, provide supportive services, and promote home ownership.